ARTS3014C: Introduction to Typography

Abstract

This course introduces typographic terms and technologies, compositions and systems. Building on the principles explored in the introductory design courses, students extend their knowledge of visual communication through an introduction to type history, typographic hierarchy, page layout and sequential composition. Emphasis will be placed on typography as an expressive medium that can create and support content through a variety of projects. We will start with a series of exercises to develop sensitivity to typographic hierarchy and structure. We will follow those with three more complex projects – a poster about typographic history, a group cookbook project, and a short Table of Contents project. Throughout the course, we will follow a creative process of input, creative thinking and thumbnails, gathering or creating artwork, and designing solutions using a combination of physical and digital means.